DIY heating distribution manifold: diagrams and assembly features. What you need to know when choosing a manifold for water heated floors Do-it-yourself manifold for heated floors made of polypropylene

The defining task when designing an autonomous heating system is the uniform distribution of the coolant. This task in the heat supply system is performed by a control and regulation unit - the distribution manifold.

The uninterrupted operation and reliability of the heating circuit largely depends on the correct choice of device, high-quality installation and connection. If you want to install a heating distribution manifold with your own hands, then you need to carry out calculations and design the wiring in advance.

We will help you resolve these issues. In the article, we examined the design of the collector group, identified the pros and cons of a heating system with a comb, and described the rules for the design and installation of a distribution unit.

The material is supplemented with practical advice on selecting components, assembling and connecting the collector to the heating system.

When arranging a water pumping unit, you must adhere to the rule: the total sum of the diameters of all branches should not be greater than the diameter of the supply main.

Let's apply this law to the heating system, but it will look like this: a boiler outlet fitting with a diameter of 1 inch is allowed for use in a double-circuit system with pipes with a diameter of ½ inch.

For a house with a small cubic capacity that is heated exclusively by radiators, this kind of system is considered productive.

For utility rooms, it will be enough to set the temperature to 10-15 °C; for living rooms, a temperature of up to 23 °C will be comfortable; in underfloor heating circuits – no more than 37 °C, otherwise the main coating may be deformed.

In practice, a private cottage is equipped with a more modernized heating circuit, where additional circuits are installed:

• heating of several floors;
• utility rooms, etc.

When a branch is connected, the level of operating pressure in the circuits becomes insufficient for high-quality heating of all radiators, respectively, and the comfortable atmosphere will be disrupted.

In this case, a balancing unit is installed for a branched heating main using a distribution manifold. Using this method, it is possible to compensate for the cooling of the heated coolant, which is typical of traditional one- and two-pipe schemes.

By means of equipment and shut-off valves, the required coolant temperature indicators are adjusted for each of the lines.

Main characteristics of the collector system

The main difference between the collector and standard linear method of redistribution of the coolant is the division of flows into several channels independent of each other. Various modifications of collector installations can be used, differing in configuration and size range.

The collector heating circuit is often called radiant. This is due to the design features of the comb. When examining the device from the top point, you will notice that the pipelines extending from it resemble an image of sun rays

The design of the welded manifold is quite simple. The required number of pipes is connected to the comb, which is a round or square pipe, which, in turn, are connected to individual lines of the heating circuit. The collector installation itself is interfaced with the main pipeline.

Shut-off valves are also installed, through which the volume and temperature of the heated liquid in each of the circuits is regulated.

A manifold group, complete with all the necessary parts, can be purchased ready-made or assembled independently, which will significantly reduce the cost estimate when designing heating

The positive aspects of operating a heating system based on a distribution manifold are the following:

1. Centralized distribution of hydraulic circuit and temperature indicators occur evenly. The simplest model of a two- or four-circuit ring comb can balance the indicators quite effectively.
2. Regulation of heating main operating modes. The process is reproduced due to the presence of special mechanisms - flow meters, mixing unit, shut-off and control valves and thermostats. However, their installation requires correct calculations.
3. Ease of maintenance. The need for preventive or repair measures does not require shutting down the entire heating network. Due to the sliding pipeline fittings mounted on each individual circuit, you can easily shut off the coolant flow in the required area.

However, there are also disadvantages to such a system. First of all, pipe consumption increases. Compensation for hydraulic losses is carried out by installing a circulation pump. It must be installed on all collector groups. In addition, this solution is only relevant in heating systems.

Modifications of collector units

Before you begin assembling the collector assembly, it is necessary to determine its functional load. The equipment can be installed in several sections of the heating main. Based on this, the necessary equipment, dimensions and level of automation of the work cycle are selected.

In fact, for the full operation of such a node, two devices are needed. Using a comb, the coolant is distributed along the contours of the central supply pipeline. The return collector channel is represented by a collection mechanism and the point of departure of the cooled liquid into the boiler.

The collector heating circuit is selected based on the calculation of the required functionality and installation location. The choice of material for making the device does not affect the number of significant mechanisms

Installation of a homemade distribution group may be required when installing water-heated floors or for preparing standard heating with radiators.

Distinctive features of both options are their sizes and components:

1. Boiler room. The welded manifold group is made of pipes with a diameter of up to 100 mm. A circulation pump and shut-off valves are installed on the supply side. The return ring is equipped with shut-off ball valves.
2. Warm floor system. Similar equipment is present in this mixing unit. With its help, it is possible to significantly save on coolant consumption, especially if additional flow meters are installed. More information about the mixing unit in a heated floor system is written in.

Each of these solutions provides an individual installation scheme. Correct installation of all elements can be carried out only after detailed calculations of all operating point parameters.

The comb can be made of the same material as the pipeline. If it is different, adapters will be used to connect the collector

There are also differences in the quantity required. In the boiler room, each line is equipped with this device. For heated floors, only one installation is provided.

Distribution node design

There is simply no universal scheme for a radiant heating project. Each case is individual, which is why the unit is equipped with the necessary devices privately. However, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the general recommendations and rules.

Rules for installing the comb

Installation of the collector is not possible in an apartment. However, there is an exception to the rule - in some houses, when all communications are installed, additional valves are installed, through which the heating circuits are connected. This device allows for individual wiring of the collector.

The schematic arrangement of heating should be drawn up in such a way that the location is on the comb. This option is considered optimal, because over time, accumulated air will need to be released from the circuits.

Features of the beam group

The radial wiring group has many nuances, but some of them are also typical for heating of other modifications.

Features of the comb system:

1. The circuit package must include a volume of more than 10% of the total volume of the coolant.
2. The optimal location of the expansion tank is on the return pipeline in front of the circulation pump, since the temperature regime is lower here.
3. If a thermo-hydraulic distribution is used, the circuit is designed so that the tank is located in front of the main pump, which is responsible for the forced movement of water in the boiler piping.
4. The circulation pump is installed in a strictly horizontal position. If you do not adhere to this rule, at the first air lock, the device will lose cooling and lubricant.

The distribution group can be assembled from various materials: polypropylene or metal. The selection is made based on work skills and the availability of tools for connecting parts.

The optimal heating temperature for radiators in a private cottage is 55-75 °C, pressure up to 1.5 atm. The operating mode of the warm floor circuit warms up to 40 °C. Based on these characteristics, the degree of stability of the pipes is selected

The process of selecting pipes for installing a distribution group is also considered important.

The main factors taken into account when choosing contour elements:

1. Purchase of pipes only in coils. Due to this, connections are not made in the wiring installed under the concrete screed.
2. Heat resistance and tensile strength must be determined individually, based on the technical data of the heating system.

Due to the predictability of the operating characteristics, autonomous heating can be used. They do not have unwanted connections and are sold in continuous 200 m lines.

The material is heat-resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 95°C with a permissible burst pressure of 10 kg/1 cm 2.

Stainless steel pipe is highly flexible. The bend radius can be equal to the diameter of the product. Installation is carried out according to the following scheme: the pipe must be directed into the fitting and secured with a nut

For a multi-story building, it is preferable to choose a corrugated pipe made of stainless steel.

This material shows excellent technical capabilities to cope with such a load:

• heated coolant up to 100 °C, which is more than enough for the heating circuit;
• pressure up to 15 atm;
• fracture pressure up to 210 kg/1 cm2.

Fittings designed for polypropylene can be plastic or made of brass. The fitting connection is equipped with a locking ring, which is threaded onto the pipeline.

An important characteristic of polypropylene pipes is the memory of mechanical processing, which results in plastic deformation of the substance.

For example, when stretching pipes with an extender and installing a fitting into the connector, after a certain time the pipe will return to its previous state and crimp the part. The contact can be secured with a locking ring.

Heating manifold calculation

Initially, to manufacture a thermohydraulic comb, you will need to calculate its main parameters - length, cross-sectional diameter of the pipes and the number of branches of the heating main. You can calculate these characteristics yourself or use special software.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Detailed technical process for assembling the collector group:

Ready-made combs for arranging heated floors, which are not always equipped with the necessary functionality, are, due to their high cost, not available to the general public. Let's see how to assemble a budget version of the design with your own hands:

The distribution group can also be implemented using polypropylene pipes. You can learn how to do this from the video:

Correct selection of components and installation of the collector unit is the key to efficient and reliable operation of the heating main. Due to the minimum number of connections, the risk of leaks is minimized. An important advantage is the ability to control and configure each heating circuit.

Share with readers your experience in assembling and connecting the distribution manifold. Please leave comments on the article, ask questions and participate in discussions. The feedback form is located below.

The temperature difference in the central heating system and the water heated floor becomes a factor due to which it is necessary to additionally install a collector section. It mixes coolants and distributes their supply into the system.

When renovating a bathroom, many install a heated water floor system. These devices operate on the same principle and on the same media as central heating. Often the general installation diagram looks like this:

• heating device;
• high temperature heat exchanger line;
• low temperature radiator circuit.

The heating radiators receive water heated by the boiler. Usually its temperature is at least 75 degrees. However, the flooring surface does not provide heating above 31 degrees. A greater value will cause discomfort to a person when walking on the floor barefoot. However, taking into account the thickness of the concrete solution in which the pipes are embedded and the finishing layer, the total heating of the coolant entering this circuit should be no higher than 50 degrees. Therefore, hot liquid from the heating device cannot be directed directly into the heated floor circuit. It is for these purposes that a collector for a water heated floor is needed.

A manifold for a warm water floor mixes boiling water from the system with cold return water and directs the heated liquid into the heating pipes

In this device, hot liquid from the heating line is mixed with cold liquid from the return circuit. As a result of this process, a carrier of the required temperature enters the floor heating system. At the same time, the entire structure works properly and smoothly. From the boiler, the hot coolant flows directly into the batteries and collector. The cold return line is also connected to the mixing unit. At the outlet of the unit, coolant heated to the required temperature flows into the floor heating system.

Sometimes you can arrange heated water floor without collector. In this case, a common low-temperature circuit is installed for both systems, and heating of the media in them is provided by an air pump and controlled by special sensors.

However, if the heating scheme also provides for heating water for domestic needs, in this case there is no way to do without a mixing cabinet. Since such a liquid at the outlet should be no colder than 65 degrees, and this value is too high for floor heating.

Assembling and connecting a mixing unit is a feasible task for everyone

Despite the apparent complexity, install and connect a heated floor collector with your own hands – quite a feasible task. To do this, you need to study in more detail the principle of its operation and the features of the device.

The mechanism of operation of the unit

The mixing device performs not only the functions of regulating the water temperature in the line. He is also responsible for its normal movement along the chain. The device includes a safety valve and a circular injector. The last element ensures normal circulation of the media in the floor heating system at the required speed. This moment is important for complete and uniform heating of the surface.

The circulation injector is responsible for the uniform distribution of warm media in the water floor circuit

The safety valve is responsible for mixing the water in the circuit. When boiling water enters the inlet, it opens flows from the return circuit until the hot water is mixed with the cold carrier from it. After this, he stops supplying boiling water.

In addition to the two main components, the manifold may include conductive and shut-off valves, valves for bleeding air and a bypass, which serves as an overload protection device. These items may not always be included in the device. Therefore, a do-it-yourself manifold for a heated floor can be installed using several different methods. Here everything depends only on the result you need.

It must be said that the mixing unit is always mounted in the area before entering the heating circuit. However, its immediate location can be anywhere. In some cases, it is advisable to install the device directly in the same room where the system runs. This is usually done in apartment buildings. Sometimes it is appropriate to place it in a common boiler room. This option will probably be preferable for private cottages. If there are several rooms with underfloor heating, distributors are usually placed in each of the rooms or one common manifold is installed in a suitable location.

When installing the mixing unit yourself, draw up a diagram of its installation

All differences in the operating principle of mixers are determined by safety valves. The most common of them are valves with two and three positions.

Supply valve

The valve has two positions, or two-way, and is equipped with a thermocouple. It is this part that has a temperature sensor and controls its level before being fed into the floor heating circuit. This element opens and closes the valve when boiling water is supplied from the boiler or boiler.

Two-way valves are the best option for equipping a heating system for a small living area

Often, access to cold water is constantly open, and hot liquid is supplied as needed by a safety valve. This helps protect pipes from overheating and extends the life of the entire system. In addition, the supply valve does not allow large amounts of coolant to pass through. Therefore, the water in it mixes evenly and heating occurs gradually, excluding temperature jumps.

In most cases, such a device will be the best option for installing heated floors in rooms up to two hundred square meters.

Three position valve

This device combines the functions of a supply valve and a balancing valve. It differs from a two-way valve in that the mixing of liquid inside this device occurs constantly.

In systems with three-way valves, sudden changes in coolant temperature cannot be excluded

The valve is designed so that in its reservoir between the supply of boiling water and cold water there is a valve, usually installed in a position of 90 degrees. However, it can be turned in one direction or the other, depending on the temperature you need. Control and adjustment are carried out in them using a servo drive and temperature control sensors. You cannot do without such devices if there are several heat-conducting circuits in the house. In addition, these devices are suitable for weather-dependent heating systems.

Such equipment allows you to change the degree of heating of the pipes depending on the outside temperature. When it decreases, the efficiency of the previous heating will no longer be so high. Therefore, automatic adjustment occurs according to the specified parameters. Although there are manually operated devices, they are ineffective. Today, automatic three-way valves have gained particular popularity.

In these devices, the weather controller calculates the desired temperature and controls the valve. The equipment is a 90-degree segment, divided into twenty equal sections of 4.5 degrees. Automatic temperature verification occurs every twenty seconds. If the specified parameter does not correspond to the actual heating of the medium, the device moves the value in the desired direction by one division, that is, by 4.5 degrees.

In addition, such devices can save on energy. In your absence, you can pre-specify the minimum required degree of heating and the automation will maintain it.

For all their advantages, three-position valves have some disadvantages. During their operation, the accidental possibility of boiling water being released into the underfloor heating system cannot be ruled out. Such situations are unacceptable, since due to a sudden change in temperature, the pipes may not withstand such surges and burst, which, in turn, will lead to other troubles. In addition, unlike supply valves, these mechanisms have a high throughput. Therefore, it is quite difficult to adjust it. Even minor changes in this case can lead to a sharp change in the temperature of the carrier in the line.

Location of collection departments

As noted above, you can place a mixing unit for a heated floor with your own hands in front of each of the heating systems or install a common manifold. In the first case, each group must be equipped with temperature regulators, flow equipment and the following valves:

1. Return balancing valve. This device sets the required heating level for the floor heating system. Inside it, the flow of boiling water and cold media from the return system is regulated. To turn it and fix it in the required position, use a hex key. The valve is finally clamped with a special fastening screw to avoid accidental displacement of the valve from the specified parameters. In addition, the device has a flow scale that regulates its throughput. It is usually limited to five cubic meters per hour.
2. Radiator balancing shut-off valve. This device serves to connect the collector section with the rest of the heating system circuits and performs regulatory functions. To install it in the required position in the same way as in the first case, use a hexagon and a clamping screw.
3. Overflow valve. This device maintains constant pressure in the system by continuously pouring excess coolant into the bypass. This property distinguishes it from a conventional safety valve, since the latter regulates the pressure by releasing liquid once. The parameters necessary for the normal functioning of the heated floor are set using a special control handle.

Installation diagrams for heating systems may vary. For example, for a circuit with one radiator pipe, a bypass must be provided. At the same time, it must always be open so that excess boiling water flows directly into the radiator. If a return circuit is also provided, then there is no need for a bypass.

Manifold installation diagram in the absence of return

If the total heated area is small, it is advisable to place the collector compartment on the secondary circuit.

The assembled mixing unit is often placed in a manifold cabinet specially designed for this purpose. Remember that it should not be too far from the floor heating system. Although it is allowed to be placed in a common boiler room, and not just in a heated room.

It should be mentioned that all the elements of the collector can not only be assembled independently, but also purchased ready-made. Considering the complexity of calculating all devices, it is better to entrust this stage to specialists. After installation and connection, do not forget to test run the heating. In this case, pay attention to the degree of heating of the floor and its uniformity. Proper temperature adjustment guarantees a successful result.

Layout of the main components for a two-pipe heating system

Installation and connection of the mixing section of the underfloor heating system is perhaps the most difficult stage in the equipment of this heating structure. Such work requires special knowledge and experience to carry out calculations. If you are not confident in your abilities, entrust the job to qualified craftsmen.

When designing heating and plumbing systems, it is often necessary to break down the number of fluid flows. For example, in heating systems with several circuits it is simply impossible to do without coolant distribution. One of the means to achieve the goal is a distribution manifold.

A manifold is a device for distributing liquid, which is often called a comb, apparently due to the external similarity of the manifold circuit with this object. In plumbing systems it is intended to distribute water, for example, from a supply pipe to several taps without loss of pressure.

Accordingly, if two people, for example, use water in the bathroom and in the kitchen, the pressure in the pipes and the water pressure will be equal for both.

The collector simplifies the distribution of water to different places; you can easily make connections to a washing machine, bathtub, sink, or drain tank. There is one target pipe from the collector to the consumer without unnecessary wiring and soldering, which not only simplifies, but also increases the reliability of the system.

In heating systems, combs are used to distribute coolant along circuits; heating is usually divided into sections. For example, the first circuit is a radiator heating system, the second is a warm floor on the same floor. In this case, it is necessary to distribute the coolant from the heater to the circuits and create a return closed system.

Without a collector, such a design will be extremely complex, it will require much more effort and material in order to implement heating, it will be labor-intensive to maintain and less reliable in operation.

The collector distributes the coolant with uniform pressure and returns the coolant from all circuits back to the heater. This method makes the closed system simple and reliable.

It is important! The main factor in the performance of the comb is that the inlet hole for the liquid must have a diameter equal to or larger than the outlet holes.

Characteristics of polypropylene collectors

Polypropylene is non-toxic and, during normal use, completely harmless to both the user and the environment. The material can only release harmful vapors when burning. The melting point of polypropylene is 160 – 170 ºC.

When the installation of water floor heating circuits is successfully completed, before pouring the screed, it is necessary to connect the underfloor heating pipes to the collector. This is done in order to check the tightness of the circuits and identify manufacturing defects or possible pipe defects that may arise during the installation process.

The operation of testing the pipelines must be carried out, otherwise in the event of an accident after starting the heating, the floor covering will have to be destroyed. After the screed has been completed and the solution has hardened, it is connected to the main pipelines and the system is put into operation. How to properly assemble a manifold for a heated floor and combine it with a mixing unit will be discussed in this material.

The role of the collector in underfloor heating systems

The collector is an element that underfloor heating cannot do without; all pipelines from the heating circuits are connected to it. Since the temperature of the coolant supplied to the network from the boiler room is too high for the operation of heated floors, a mixing unit always operates together with the collector, ensuring the water temperature is within 40-45 ºС.

Mixing units and manifolds for heated floors perform the task of preparing the coolant at the required temperature and supplying it to all circuits.

To understand how the entire assembly works, let’s look at the collector device in more detail. It consists of two horizontal tubes connected to the supply and return lines. The manifold body and parts are made of the following materials:

• brass;
• stainless steel;
• plastic.

The figure below shows a detailed diagram of the underfloor heating manifold; it is usually supplied in this kit by manufacturers:

On the supply tube there are branches with thermostatic valves (actuators), and on the return there are branches with flow sensors. There are plastic caps on top of the thermostats for manual adjustment; twisting them leads to pressing on the rod and blocking the flow. Flow meters or flow sensors located on the return pipe of the manifold for a warm water floor serve to visually monitor the amount of water flowing and perform hydraulic balancing of the system.

Note. The cheapest versions of collectors may not have flow sensors.

In order to control pressure and temperature, a thermometer with a pressure gauge is installed on the manifold, and a special valve is installed to bleed air. The kit also includes plugs, bends, taps and brackets for attaching the unit to the wall or to the metal slats of the cabinet. Many suppliers practice a complete set of the entire assembly, where there is a distribution manifold assembled with a pump and a two-way or three-way valve.

Operating principle

The unit works like this: the coolant circulates through all underfloor heating circuits, driven by a pump. The flow rate in each circuit is controlled by a valve manually or automatically, by a capillary or servo drive. When the temperature in the supply or return pipeline (depending on the circuit) drops below the set value, a two- or three-way valve begins to mix hot water from the system, and the coolant from the return flows into the general network. The figure shows a diagram of the operation of a manifold with an attached water temperature sensor and a two-way valve:

There are several operating schemes for the mixing unit, they use different parts, but its task remains the same: to maintain the required temperature in the underfloor heating system and control the coolant flow in the supply branches.

It is not difficult to assemble the underfloor heating manifold, supplied as a complete set. The tubes for the supply and return coolant are already equipped with valves and flow sensors; they only need to be twisted together if the manifold included is divided into sections of 2 or 3 branches. Then, for the convenience of further assembly, it is better to fix the tubes on standard brackets, then the distributor will be a single unit. Then plugs, connection elements, shut-off valves and control devices are installed.

Note. The delivery set of each product includes instructions, with its help you should assemble and install the underfloor heating manifold.

The next step is to attach the collector to the wall, and after that you can install the circulation pump and valve. There is no point in doing this in reverse order; then it will be inconvenient to attach the entire assembly. The pump and valve with a thermal head or servo drive are mounted in accordance with the selected diagram, after which the main heating pipes coming from the boiler are connected to them, and pipes from the heating circuits are connected to the outlets. There are situations when the distributor is installed not in the boiler room, but in a corridor or other room, then for installation it is better to use a decorative cabinet for the manifold.

Since the cost of a factory-made manifold is quite high, such a unit can be made independently. True, you will still have to purchase a pump and valve for the mixing part, as well as shut-off valves. The most popular way to assemble a homemade manifold is to solder it from polypropylene pipes and fittings. This will require sections of PPR pipe with a diameter of 25 or 32 mm, tees and bends of the same size and valves. The number of fittings and valves depends on the number of heating circuits. Tools you will need are a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes with nozzles, scissors and a tape measure.

Before making a polypropylene manifold, you need to measure and cut sections of the pipe so that after connecting the tees are as close to each other as possible, otherwise the assembly will not look aesthetically pleasing. Then taps and transitions are welded to the tees, and the remaining fittings for connection to the pump are welded to the resulting manifold.

It should be noted that a homemade manifold for heated floors, made with your own hands, will have some disadvantages. For example, there are no thermostatic valves on the branches in the supply line, and there are no flow sensors on the return line. In their absence, the system will have to be adjusted manually, and this does not always give good results. Of course, all these elements can be installed and connected separately, but then the labor costs will be such that it is easier to purchase a finished product made of plastic, whose cost is quite affordable.

Conclusion

Despite the apparent complexity of the mixing and distribution unit, assembling it is not that difficult. The product usually comes with detailed instructions and should be followed. It is more difficult to make a distributor with your own hands, but this is always advisable, since you still need to buy components, and there will also be difficulties in setting up the manifold.

Today there are quite a large number of different autonomous heating systems. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. One of the corners that ensures the efficiency and performance of a heating system is the manifold. Assembling such a structure for a heated floor with your own hands is quite simple if you know the layout of the collector and understand how it should work.

Manifold diagram for heated floors.

The collector is a node that includes the following elements:

• pipes that are made of plastic or metal;
• valves;
• pressure gauges;
• valves;
• fitting;
• other auxiliary units.

How does a collector work and what is it for?

An example of connecting a heated floor collector.

The design is used to mix the coolant that comes from various heating circuits. Subsequently, the device distributes the coolant along these circuits. By mixing, the temperature of the liquid will equalize. Therefore, the temperature in rooms that are heated will be stable.

You should know that the quality of the floor heating system will depend on the correct assembly of the collector structure.

The operating principle of the heating system is as follows: the hot coolant, after passing through existing circuits and pipes, will cool down, and under the action of the pumping structure or natural circulation will flow back into the collector. In this element, the coolant is mixed through a return pipe. The proportions of hot and cooled coolant can be adjusted by valves. Temperature control is carried out using special heat and pressure sensors. If the heating system is too long or there is no possibility of natural circulation in the house, then a circulation pump will need to be included in the collector structure.

A standard manifold consists of the following elements:

Diagram of a water heated floor.

• two-way or three-way mixing valve;
• shut-off valves;
• balancing valves;
• temperature sensor;
• pressure gauge;
• circulation pump;
• element for automatic air exhaust;
• fitting;
• tees;
• adapters;
• nipples.

You will also need some other elements for installation.

The design functions as follows: if the temperature exceeds a certain value, the thermal head will close the valve, and a small amount of hot coolant will be supplied. As the coolant cools, the valve will supply more liquid. The heat carrier is supplied from the return pipe with a continuous pressure, and from the supply pipe - if necessary. Consequently, the average temperature of the liquid will remain constant.

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Advantages of a collector circuit for underfloor heating

Collector piping diagram.

A warm floor with a collector system has a fairly large number of advantages. The main ones are the following:

1. Hygiene. Warm floors of this type can be easily cleaned and disinfected.
2. Safety. Residents often forget about the high temperature of the equipment used for heating. When using such a design, burns and various injuries are excluded.
3. Comfort. The collector device will create invisible coziness and an increased level of comfort.
4. Economical. Energy savings, compared to using heating radiators, can reach 50%.
5. Long service period. In the collector device, the only element that can wear out is the pipe. The service life of such an element is 50 years.

How to choose a manifold for a heated floor?

Collector stabilization scheme.

Such a design should be selected based on how much money can be spent on its construction. In addition, there is a parameter that must be observed. A similar parameter is the number of outputs on the collector. This number will depend on how many pipes need to be connected to the collector structure.

It is not possible to correctly calculate the number of loops correctly in all cases. They differ from each other in terms of room area. In some rooms it may be necessary to install two loops. An approximate calculation of the number of such elements can be made based on the fact that there are 6.5 m/p of pipes per 1 m². The resulting value must be multiplied by the area of ​​the heated room. The final number should be compared with the existing lengths of pipes in the coil. It should be noted that in some cases it is best to make several loops so that there is not a lot of extra pipe left from the bay. You can take a collector with one more circuit, and plug the extra one.

Why do you need to install valves in the manifold?

Installation diagram of the collector and sensors.

A two-way valve will allow the coolant to flow in one direction, but it has a small capacity. The advantage of using a two-way valve is that in this case the coolant will flow smoothly and without fluctuations. Such devices have low throughput, and therefore are used in small rooms. The latest valve models can be equipped with a servo drive. Such an element is an engine with a valve placement sensor. Using a servo drive, you can open and close the fluid passage hole with precision.

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A three-way valve will mix or separate coolant flows. In the body of the structure there are several pipes through which the element is connected to the heating pipes. The valve will receive fluid from the boiler, transfer it to the heating system, and also receive fluid from the return pipe in order to mix the latter with the hot supply. It is recommended to install a three-way valve in autonomous heating systems at the outlet of the collector system, where it is not necessary to limit the flow rate during uniform mixing.

With prolonged use, the valve may become clogged. To make it easy to replace such an element, a detachable coupling for connecting all elements should be used in the connection.

If the thermal fluid distribution scheme involves the installation of several collectors, then at the output of each element you will need to install a splitter with a structure for air exhaust.

Types of absorbers in vacuum tubular collectors.

Air is exhausted from the top of the splitter. The drain valve should be installed at the bottom of the structure. It will be used to drain the coolant during the repair of the heating system.

Some heating system designs do not require mixing of liquids; in such cases, valves may not be installed. To maintain a constant temperature in such systems, you will need to install a circulation pump. Such a design must be installed directly in the return pipe so that unnecessary intake of coolant from the heating system can be eliminated.

Types of collectors.

You can install a similar structure for a heated floor yourself. The distribution manifold is in most cases located in a manifold cabinet or a separate room, which is hidden in the wall. When installing the structure, you should consider the following nuances:

1. You should try to place the distribution manifold at the highest point of the heating system in relation to the level of the placed loops. This is necessary so that, if necessary, air can be removed from the installed pipes.
2. The distribution manifold should be located in the central part of the premises that are heated.
3. You will need to connect circuits of the same length to one structure. If no such contours are available, the length should be as close as possible to the length of the element that is placed nearby.

Additional devices that are installed in manifolds

Diagram of the solar collector.

To automatically adjust the floor heating device, weather sensors can be installed in the collector structure. If it gets sharply cold outside, the heating intensity will increase. The weather sensor will send signals to turn the boiler on and off. It is worth noting that manual adjustment is ineffective. Sensors that depend on the weather will check the temperature several times per minute. If necessary, the servos will rotate the valve in either direction by 5°.